Researchers tune in to nesting calls to help rare cockatoos

Tiny sound recorders will be set up near the nests of South-eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, as part of ground-breaking research to monitor the nesting
habits of the endangered species.

A team lead by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and the University of Queensland will begin the research this week, placing
the sound recorders across farmland between Portland and Edenhope.

DELWP Senior Biodiversity Officer Richard Hill said: “The South-eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is one of Australia's rarest cockatoos and is only found
in south-west Victoria and lower south-east South Australia.”

“It’s believed a lack of success with nesting is a key reason for their low population, and we’re hoping to find out what’s causing this.”

Image: A black cockatoo in an artificial nest box which is being monitored. Photo: Daniella Teixeira

The research is being undertaken by the Threatened Species Recovery Hub, which undertakes research to support the recovery of Australia’s threatened species.

The Hub is a collaboration of ten of Australia’s leading universities and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and receives support from the Australian
Government’s National Environmental Science Programme.

The Ecosounds Lab at the Queensland University of Technology will also be involved in the aspects relating to sound data handling and processing.

Available for interview -Daniella Teixeira, The University of Queensland, d.teixeira@uq.edu.au, 0433 294 982